Originally posted by JeffGollin
Position by Position -
QB - None (unless we sign a FA vet as backup)
RB - You have to assume TJ is history. After that, there figures to be competition for a final spot between Anderson, Prentice and Scooby Doo.
FB - Depends on how good Doolin is - McKinley could be challenged. Someone mentioned that Diamond looks more like a FB than a TE.
WR - There's a traffic jam - Tough to predict until we see everyone in action. Probably the "safest" positions belong to the 2 draftees (BJ and Boldin) because they were high picks. Other than that - everyone must be considered on the bubble with the UDFA's at the top of the bubble list.
TE - Banks might face competition from Diamond.
OL - A couple veteran backups could be in trouble if any of the kids (including the draft pick, the UDFA and guys like Wragge, Whiting and Grace) stepped up and proved they were ready to grab a job. But all things being equal, I think the vets will hold on - the nonsigning of Fina worries me - I think he has another one or two productive years left in him.
DL - Another mob scene. I wouldn't write off Wakefield quite yet, because to me he's a raw kid who was pressed into action early and - while not yet consistently playing to NFL standards for the position - still, at 6-7" - has a terrific upside. What I'm hoping is that guys like Bell, Dwyer or Atoe will step up and send Russell Davis outtahere (nice guy but he gets pushed around out there too much). Our production at DT just doesn't cut it - hasn't since Rucker and Reuben Davis played there. I think Fatafehi is in a very precarious position. Tanner's job appears to be safe. At DE, I think we'll be set with DJ and Pace on the right side and VDB and Wakefield (or King) on the left side. (Either Wakefield or King will have to go - probably King unless he proves he can be stout at the point when spotted inside).
LB _ Good competition here. Remember that openings should have been created by the departures of Fredrickson and Rutledge. Young is probably the most vulnerable. Among newcomers, Hayes, Gilbert and Darling - Gilbert's lack of athleticism could place him closest to the bubble. (Personally, I wish we could keep them all).
CB - Stone figures to be history. There could be a battle between Eason and Nelson for that slot (Eason also plays safety but Nelson can play well on special teams). Cromartie is a long shot to stick. If we add a veteran FA like Bryant, Hill would be more likely to be on the bubble than would Rhinehart, because Rhinehart is slightly faster.
K- Job is Guillermo's to lose, but if Duncan can prove he's equally as accurate under pressure while still drilling kickoffs into the end zone, he might just steal the job. Note - This may be the year where we keep both kickers.
Final caveat - Injuries and a couple of FA additions could alter the equation considerably at potentially any position.
